Ultraviolet Discharge Lamp Apparatuses Having Optical Filters Which Attenuate Visible Light

Abstract

The apparatuses disclosed herein include a discharge lamp configured to emit ultraviolet and visible light, an optical filter configured to attenuate visible light, and a power circuit configured to operate the discharge lamp. Some embodiments of the apparatuses are configured such that ultraviolet light emitted from the discharge lamp and passed through the optical filter encircles an exterior surface of the apparatus. Some cases of the apparatuses include a sensor system configured to monitor a first parameter associated with the operation of the discharge lamp and a second parameter associated with the transmittance of the optical filter. Some of the apparatuses include a means for moving the optical filter while the apparatus is in operation. In some cases, the apparatuses may be configured such that the optical filter may be arranged in and out of alignment with the discharge lamp. In some embodiments, the optical filter may be a multifaceted.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention generally relates to ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses and, more specifically, to ultraviolet discharge lamp apparatuses having optical filters which attenuate visible light and methods of operating such apparatuses.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]The following descriptions and examples are not admitted to be prior art by virtue of their inclusion within this section.[0005]Discharge lamps are used in a variety of applications to generate ultraviolet (UV) light, including but not limited to polymer curing, food sterilization, fluid and object disinfection, and room / area decontamination. For example, it is known that UV irradiation in the spectrum between approximately 200 nm and approximately 320 nm is effective in deactivating and, in some cases, killing microorganisms, giving reason to the use of ultraviolet light technology for disinfecting and / or sterilizing items. In general, dischar...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Although different types of discharge lamps have been investigated to provide UV light for different applications, little has been done to improve the efficiency of the ultraviolet light generated in apparatuses, particularly with respect to the propagation of the ultraviolet light (i.e., distance and angle of incidence on a target object).

A reason for such a lack of advancement is that many apparatuses having discharge lamps, such as food sterilization and single object disinfection devices, are configured to treat items placed in close proximity and in direct alignment with the lamp and, thus, little or no improvement in efficiency of the UV light may be realized by altering its propagation.

Furthermore, room / area decontamination systems are specifically designed to disperse light over a vast area and, thus, altering UV propagation from a system may hinder such an objective.

In addition, many apparatuses with discharge lamps are limited in application and versatility.

For instance, many food sterilization and single object disinfection devices are self-contained apparatuses and are configured for treatment of specific items and, thus, do not generally include features which improve the versatility of the systems for treatment for other items or use in other applications.

Furthermore, some apparatuses require time consuming and / or cumbersome provisions in order to protect a user from harm.

Exposure of the visible light and the ultraviolet light may be harmful and, thus, provisions such as containing the pulsed light within the confines of the apparatus or shielding windows of a room in which a room decontamination unit is used may be needed.

Images